14 February 2009

Artist book of childhood memories

This book is a mixture of a scrap book and an artist book I suppose. I have put together many of the things I found when my childhood home was sold a couple of years ago. There are many pages from primary school exercixe books, an old timetable written by my first grade teacher, a card for my first birthday, a card to my mother in the 40's, a note written by my father who died soon 20 years ago, a piece of my mother's best dress in the 60's and so much more, with various bits of lace and other decorations.

Primary school 1st and 2nd grade timetables, scrap angels I remember using in making Christmas cards when I was about 15, an old photo.

Right:A primary school drawing

At school we got 1-3 stamps on exercises from the teacher, showing how well we had complited it. With my sisters I made little booklets with stories. Bottom left: how I hated the summer we had to collect and press flowers for school!

Page on the left:

I have always loved other cultures but as a child I didn't have the opportunity to travel. Therefore I had pen friends from different parts of the world as soon as I knew some English. The leaf picture was a gift by an Indian pen friend sometime in the 70's.

Page on the right:

Both my mother and I have woven many rugs. Therefore, when she moved house, much ready-cut rag rug material was found. These pieces all brought memories, like my father's working shirt, kitchen curtains when I was about 5, dresses mother made for me and my sister.